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Moreland concentrating on outfield at camp

The Rangers added first baseman Prince Fielder so Mitch Moreland may see most of his playing time as designated hitter and backup outfielder

By T.R. Sullivan
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MLB.com |

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Mitch Moreland has been the Rangers' starting first baseman over the past three seasons but is hanging with the outfielders this spring. Moreland is still getting early work at first base, but the Rangers want him in the outfield during the regular workouts.

Moreland lost his first-base job when the Rangers traded for Prince Fielder. He will most likely be the Rangers' primary designated hitter, but the club wants him to be able to play the outfield if needed.

"I view him as a guy who can play the outfield, the infield or DH," manager Ron Washington said. "But right now I want him to get familiarized with the outfield and seeing as many balls off the bat as he can out there."

Moreland has played 380 games at first base in his Major League career and 45 in right field. He played both positions plenty coming through the Minor Leagues. He has never played left field in the Majors, but Washington wants him to get time there as well.